Review: Over the last decade, Konstanyun Isaev has built up one of the most distinctive catalogues in nu-disco, delivering EPs for the likes of ISM, Bordello A Parigo and Kolour Recordings that explore the stylistic boundaries of the style. He's at it again here, skipping between dark and moody late-night sleaze (foreboding opener 'Emperor Sheikh'), picturesque acid/electro/freestyle fusion (the bubbly synth motifs and sludgy bottom-end of 'Inspector Krause'), and dubby early morning house hypnotism ('Hypnotic Style'). His rock-solid originals are complimented by two equally as impressive remixes: the Middle Eastern electronic lead lines and surging, arpeggio-driven grooves of A-Tweed's druggy revision of 'Emperor Sheikh' and the bouncy electro-breaks cheeriness of Panorama Channel's re-make of 'Inspector Krause'.
Review: With releases on labels like Bordello A Parigi and ISM, Volta Cab aka Konstantyn Isaev has an impressive back catalogue. Now he takes his unique take on electronic disco to the emerging Sulk Magic imprint. The title track is a grandiose affair, with a swaggering groove underpinning epic synth hooks and impenetrable vocal samples, while on "Erotic Assassin", the Russian producer opts for a different approach; led by tight drums and pulsating acid, it eventually leads into a place where cocktail bar melodies prevail. "Perseus Wild" is different again: led by a funk bass and a searing guitar riff, while the release also features an upbeat, slightly more ominous take on the title track by Fabrizio Mammarella.
Review: Some seven years after releasing his first single, Volta Cab has finally got round to making a debut album. The fact that it's appearing on Holland's lauded Bordello a Parigi label offers a clue not only to its' contents, but also its' obvious quality. In keeping with the Russian producer's recent releases, Rise Again is a stylish, left-of-centre affair, rich in vintage synthesizer and drum machine sounds. In the process, he touches on moody leftfield synth-pop, Balearic nu-disco, eccentric electro, mind-altering Italo-disco, John Carpenter style horror soundtracks, muscular electro-disco and even dreamy, sunrise-friendly deep house. Distinctive and hugely entertaining, it's easily Volta Cab's most assured release to date.
Review: It's been four long years since we last heard from St Petersburg-based producer Volta Cab. Happily, there are clear signs of artistic development on this belated return to action. While you'll find subtle nods towards his melodious nu-disco past on "Johnny 320", the track's crunchy groove, distorted bass and fuzzy electronics recall Belgium's late '80s new beat movement. That's even more evident on Juanpablo's accompanying remix, which is dirty, druggy and thoroughly mind-altering. On "Immortal Fix", the experienced Russian producer serves up some throbbing, mascara-clad new-wave throb. In turn, this is remixed by Hesperious Draco, who channels the spirit of the various new beat-era covers of the KLF's 1988 "pure trance" version of "What Time Is Love". A fine return to action, all told.
Review: Last year's Pink Collection, the first in Eskimo's Colour Series of compilations, delivered a sumptuous blend of baggy Balearica, synth-heavy nu-disco, electronic deep house and wide-eyed indie-dance. Here, the long-running Belgian label repeats the formula, serving up 12 new and recent cuts from a wide-range of artists. Highlights come thick and fast, from the touchy-feely goodness of Freeform Five's Roisin Murphy hook-up "Levinthian" and the atmospheric nu-disco-goes-acid of Volta Cab's subdued "Smoke Some Kill", to the guitar-laden Balearic house of Peak Oak and company's "Nova", and Elke Kleijn's sensual, string-laden deep house epic "A Tale of Two Lovers".
Review: Yam Who? tirelessly releases the finest electronic disco through his own label ISM. Sometimes it's in the form of compilations and sometimes its stuff by the likes of Sleazy McQueen or Spektrum. Now and then he even gets time to release his own work. This is such a case and it's an impressive collection of all his official reworks of other artists. Highlights over the 12 tracks include his souped-up version of an '80s cover by Natasha Watts, the slick electro boogie rework of a Bobby Electro tune and the soulful retro house of his Erik Rico re-rub.
Review: Since launching last year, House of Disco Records has made something of a splash, offering an array of disco-influenced deep house cuts with a decidedly atmospheric flavour. Here they join forces with the similarly minded Dikso label for an expansive compilation featuring fresh cuts from both imprints' artists. There's much to admire, from the casual soulfulness of Nihan Solo's super-deep "Hey Girl" (inspired, perhaps, by dewy-eyed '80s soul) to the delay-laden, low-end wobble of Daniel Solar's "Hush" and Unsui's excellent slo-mo acid jam "Anata". Best of all, though, is Volta Cab's "What It Feels Like", a supreme example of super-sensual warm-up fare.
Review: In the space of less than a year, Roberto Rodriguez' Serenades label has seen its releases receive admiration from the like of Tensnake and Maya Jane Coles, and this compilation release offers the label a chance to reflect on a successful year, and win themselves some new fans in the process. Label head Rodriguez contributes the Balearic boogie-funk of "Has Been", whilst the Nacho Marco remix of "Ishama" takes a more cosmic path, dancing round a handbag made entirely out of the plastic casing from vintage early 80s BBC Micro computers. Johnwaynes contribute "Never Enough", featuring relentless synths and a tight bass "n' drums combo, taking things up and down beautifully, whilst Volta Cab finish with the slo-mo soul of "I Don't Want Love", its bumping rhythm brought to life with a staccato piano sample that takes things into a housier realm.
Review: Having previously released six quietly confident releases from the likes of Volta Cab, Trujillo and James Teej, Spanish deep house/disco fusionists Apersonal Records gather together some of their favourite remixes on one extended digital EP. It's a good collection, casually flitting between solid rubs from label stalwarts and notable big name remixes. Of these, look out for Soul Clap's excellent version of Michael J Collins' "Nothing Wrong With Holding On" - a joyous fusion of dubwise bass, drifting sax and sugary-sweet melodic builds - and Mark E's Trujillo rework. This touchy-feely slo-mo builder is reminiscent of the Black Country producer's fine early work on Jigsaw.
Review: Relative newcomers Volta Cab are fast becoming a name to watch. Through a handful of releases - most notably for Solardisco - they've developed a uniquely attractive sound that sits somewhere between the higher echelons of nu-disco and old skool flavoured deep house. The four cuts here are among their best; the title track offers a synth-laden fusion of electrofunk, deep house and Balearica, while "Watch Your Back" comes on like a sumptuous take on classic house. "Ice", meanwhile, is melodic and electronic, while "Surfing On Delay" pairs piano house attitude with laidback groovery to great effect. Excellent stuff.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.